How would you handle this?

Jdon · Sep 13, 2005

I need advice. I work in assisted living (I am a nurse) and I have one care attendant who seems to be out for blood or something. she is constantly asking me "why" I changed a nursing order, "why" I wrote something this or that way. Every time I tell her something I get back-talk, she just disagrees with me no matter what. She will ask me a question and then will claim the other nurse told her something different for an answer. She left a resident in a wet bed until almost noon one day, and then after she got her up she just pulled up the comforter over wet sheets. I had complaints from two other staff about the smell coming from the room. Now she claims she was told she could not "force" a resident to get up, so she just leaves them in bed as this is what she was taught by another nurse. I said we never force, the word is "encourage" and please to come and get me and I will help her any time with difficult residents. she is making my life miserable at work. she came in the med room that same day and yelled at me because a residents meds had not come in. She was counseled by me for leaving the resident in a wet bed and then went right to the administrator to deny everything. heeeeeeeeeelp

Is a care attendent the same as a cna? I feel for you! I have had similer experiences with cna's. I know its not easy but all you can do is remain calm and professional, and stand your ground! It sounds that she is insubordinate to you. I would definately make a point to have a witness when dealing with her. WRITE HER UP and ask for support from your supervisor. Ethier she will turn around or with the accumilated write ups be fired. Hang in there and remember your her superior and as such her behavior is unacceptable.Good luck.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2005

Why is the CNA even involved with the nursing orders? I would be having a job desciption talk with this employee.

I need advice. I work in assisted living (I am a nurse) and I have one care attendant who seems to be out for blood or something. she is constantly asking me "why" I changed a nursing order, "why" I wrote something this or that way. Every time I tell her something I get back-talk, she just disagrees with me no matter what. She will ask me a question and then will claim the other nurse told her something different for an answer. She left a resident in a wet bed until almost noon one day, and then after she got her up she just pulled up the comforter over wet sheets. I had complaints from two other staff about the smell coming from the room. Now she claims she was told she could not "force" a resident to get up, so she just leaves them in bed as this is what she was taught by another nurse. I said we never force, the word is "encourage" and please to come and get me and I will help her any time with difficult residents. she is making my life miserable at work. she came in the med room that same day and yelled at me because a residents meds had not come in. She was counseled by me for leaving the resident in a wet bed and then went right to the administrator to deny everything. heeeeeeeeeelp

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Sep 22, 2005

I get this from time to time also (also an RN for assisted living), and basically I have done this..and it really nipped it in the bud! I explained things in such detail that they don't ask anymore! LOL! And I will use a cool story to say why I am doing what I am doing...that helps too. Sure earned some respect this way, and now I can simply say "you reeeallly want me to tell you???" usually they say..."ummmmm no!". LOL!

When I run into someone that is being a doubting Thomas, I simply go to their supervisor (we have an RN supervisor and a CNA/Caregiver supervisor) and explain things and ask for a meeting with the two of us. Scary, but usually you find that the situation is really grounded in something different that you couldn't possibly think of...like a similar situation with their family and an they had a bad experience, or a demanding spouse at home so work is their only control, or something medically happenining to them and they are scared, even something you may have said at one time that disturbed them and needs to be brought up (or vice versa).

I actually like this approach because it is okay to have conflict in situations...we are all different and we all see things differently...that can be made into a nice checks and balances system if you keep your mind open to others ideas! A closed mind stays stagnent, an open mind aires!

Good luck to you!

gr8rnpjt, RN · Sep 22, 2005

I need advice. She left a resident in a wet bed until almost noon one day, and then after she got her up she just pulled up the comforter over wet sheets. yelled at me . heeeeeeeeeelp

This CNA needs to be put in her place. I hope my relatives do not end up with someone with her caring for them. And as for her questioning you, well she really needs to be put in her place. I agree with other posters, set up a meeting with her supervisor and bring a list of situations, and put her in her place! :rolleyes:

gerinurse10 · Sep 22, 2005

Two words: Fire Her! From the looks of it she would have already received 3 written warnings (check your policy on this) and would have been fired at my facility. It is unacceptable behavior. Especially when you are working in an assisted living setting where you don't see the aides at all times. I'd be worried about other patient contact and her behaviors. If she is bold enough to be right in the nurses face can you imagine how she is with a patient. I have worked in homecare and assisted living for years and the aides know I follow through on my written warnings. Patient safety first!! Good Luck.

Plumcrazie · Sep 30, 2005

I need advice. I work in assisted living (I am a nurse) and I have one care attendant who seems to be out for blood or something. she is constantly asking me "why" I changed a nursing order, "why" I wrote something this or that way. Every time I tell her something I get back-talk, she just disagrees with me no matter what. She will ask me a question and then will claim the other nurse told her something different for an answer. She left a resident in a wet bed until almost noon one day, and then after she got her up she just pulled up the comforter over wet sheets. I had complaints from two other staff about the smell coming from the room. Now she claims she was told she could not "force" a resident to get up, so she just leaves them in bed as this is what she was taught by another nurse. I said we never force, the word is "encourage" and please to come and get me and I will help her any time with difficult residents. she is making my life miserable at work. she came in the med room that same day and yelled at me because a residents meds had not come in. She was counseled by me for leaving the resident in a wet bed and then went right to the administrator to deny everything. heeeeeeeeeelp

first does this Cna recognize what neglect is? and does he/she not know that any one lying in urine that long follows under this category? also she must know she can change the bed and clean the patient without getting the patient up. I would certainly go for the write up and the to the DON and the administrator, if nothing is done Id look for another job where they DO really care about the resident.